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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2013

Illini Student Veteran to be Honored as Veteran of the Month for March 2013

Chicago - The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs will honor Savoy resident and University of Illinois - Urbana student Elizabeth Ambros, a U.S. Navy veteran, as theIllinois Veteran of the Month for March 2013 on Monday, March 25, at 2:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Illini Union, University of Illinois, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana, Illinois.

Ambros, who served as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman for over 6 years, including an assignment as the senior medical provider in over 60 combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, was recently selected from a pool of well-qualified veteran candidates for the honor.

“Elizabeth Ambros is an awesome veteran and leader of the University of Illinois Urbana student-veteran community,” said IDVA Assistant Director Rodrigo Garcia. “Since returning from active duty, Elizabeth sought opportunities and ways to help other her fellow veterans, making a positive difference in her community. Her contribution to helping reach young veterans has been incalculable.”

Ambros’ personal and professional achievements include:

• As Secretary of the Illini Veterans, a registered student organization and chapter of the Student Veterans of America, using her talents to provide fellow members with important weekly updates on regarding benefits, employment and job training opportunities, community events, support services, and other critical issues.
• Regular volunteer activities, including championing care package drives for deployed Illinois National Guard units, participating in a fundraising campaign that provided household goods for homeless veterans newly placed into permanent housing, and as a source and spokesperson for media outlets, speaking on behalf of women veterans in an effort to educate the public as to the experience of women in the military.
• Earning numerous awards and decorations for her service with the Marines, including the Navy and Marine Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Certificate of Commendation, and Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist Insignia.

About Veteran of the Month
The Veteran of the Month award highlights the work of community servants who are also military veterans. Each month the Department recognizes a different person or group that contributes to communities across the state of Illinois. To nominate a veteran for consideration, please visit IDVA’s website at veterans.illinois.gov to obtain guidelines and a nomination form.